Dui Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges in Bakersfield, you are likely to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. The consequences of a DUI conviction can include incarceration, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that can be life-altering. It’s crucial to note, however, that you do not have to face these charges alone. An empathetic Bakersfield DUI lawyer from The Law Office of Victor Nasser can provide you with crucial legal support.

At The Law Office of Victor Nasser, our skilled criminal defense team has combined years of experience helping individuals successfully fight against DUI charges. Whether you are facing a first-time DUI offense or have been charged with more serious crimes, such as DUI manslaughter, we are here to help you understand your rights and push for optimal case outcomes. Together, we can help you overcome complex legal challenges.

Facing DUI Charges in Bakersfield? Here’s What You Need to Know

In California, it is a serious offense to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Prosecutors and law enforcement alike fiercely go after individuals who breach these laws, which are designed to discourage impaired driving. DUI charges can come out of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs (even drugs that were prescribed), or both.

For drivers over the age of 21, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08% or greater constitutes a crime. For those under the age of 21, any traces of alcohol in the system can result in a DUI charge. Commercial drivers also have a lower limit of 0.04%. Even if you were driving below the illegal limit, you could still be charged with a DUI if law enforcement has reason to believe that your ability to drive was notably impaired.

Individuals facing DUI charges should seek to work with skilled and experienced legal representatives who can help them navigate the legal and bureaucratic processes associated with mounting a successful defense.

Penalties for DUI Crimes in California

The penalties for a DUI conviction are dependent on various factors, such as the BAC level at the time of arrest, the defendant’s criminal history, and if the incident involved aggravating factors like property damage or injuries. Even first-time DUI offenses can lead to penalties like fines, jail time, mandatory DUI school, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for the driver to be on the road again.

Aggravating factors can significantly increase the penalties associated with DUI charges, such as having an extremely high BAC level, having a child in the vehicle at the time of arrest, and causing property damage, injury, or fatality. By working with a skilled Bakersfield DUI lawyer from our law firm, we can leverage robust legal solutions to significantly minimize your penalties.

How a Bakersfield DUI Lawyer Can Support Your Case

An experienced criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Victor Nasser understands the high stakes of DUI cases and is therefore here to help you mount a strong defense that protects your rights and interests. By working with our experienced criminal defense team, which has a positive track record handling DUI cases, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Safeguarding your rights. We can ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld through all legal processes — from your traffic stop to court hearings and proceedings. Deeply reviewing the details surrounding your arrest, we can work to determine whether any of your rights were violated, such as if you were unlawfully stopped or if your tests were not properly administered.
• Questioning the evidence. As prosecution heavily relies upon evidence to convict individuals on DUI charges, an experienced lawyer from our firm understands the importance of scrutinizing the evidence against you. From analyzing how your BAC tests were taken and handled to police reports generated by the arresting officer, we can question the accuracy and validity of all evidence against you.
• Negotiating a plea deal. Depending on your case details, it may be optimal to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or ensure options for alternative sentencing like diversion program participation.
• Representing you in court. While many DUI cases do not end up in trial, if it is necessary, we can provide you with strong legal representation in court, presenting robust legal arguments with supporting evidence.

Navigating the DUI Criminal Defense Process in Bakersfield

Each step of a DUI case comes with its own cumbersome challenges. A loyal and empathetic criminal defense lawyer from our law firm is here to provide you with crucial support throughout the following phases of your DUI case, working to protect your rights and interests at all costs:

• DUI arrest. The majority of DUI cases start with a traffic stop or DUI checkpoint. During these stops, police officers may carry out different tests to determine whether you are under the influence. A skilled attorney can go over the details of your arrest to ensure that your rights were not breached and that evidence was properly collected and maintained.
• Booking and charges. After being arrested, individuals are taken to a police station to be booked into jail. Depending on the severity of the case, they may either be released on bail or held until arraignment. At this point, a lawyer from our firm can ensure you are not subject to unfair questioning, negotiate a fair bail amount on your behalf, and work to start building up your criminal defense strategy.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. The DMV administrative process is separate from legal criminal proceedings but is equally important. At your hearing, we can work fiercely to contest the suspension of your driver’s license.
• Criminal proceedings. A skilled attorney from our firm can help you navigate the complex criminal proceedings associated with DUI charges, including pretrial motions, negotiations, and potential trial.

Receive Crucial Legal Support With a Bakersfield DUI Lawyer

Although it may feel threatening and nearly impossible to face DUI charges, you can work to minimize long-term impact and protect your rights with a skilled defense attorney. A criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Victor Nasser is here to help fight for your driving privileges and freedoms, developing and implementing a legal strategy that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to start discussing your case details.